The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Dip Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Do you want to enhance your current teaching? Are you passionate about developing your teaching strategies? Do you want to engage in technology to assist you in the delivery of the curriculum? Then our Postgraduate Diploma in Education might be the course for you.

There will be opportunities for you to reflect on your current teaching or training role and examine how educational theory relates to practice. You will also be able to explore an area of interest within teaching and learning through engagement with research and academic literature.

Throughout this course, you’ll explore a broad range of topics including:

  • an introductory overview of the historical and philosophical context in which educational practice sits
  • fundamental principles of assessment and key issues in contemporary educational assessment practice
  • An overview of educational research and the review of literature
  • how people learn and the consequent implications for best practice
  • the knowledge and skills needed to apply a learning analytics approach to the analysis of data

There is also an opportunity to study one of three optional modules should you be interested in developing content, or assessment, or have an interest in management.

Once you have completed our Postgraduate Diploma in Education you have the option to progress onto our Master of Education (M.Ed.) programme. (180 credits)

Why we’re great

  • You’ll be working at a postgraduate level with high emphasis on research and the evaluation of your own practice.
  • This course will engage you in the use of technology in your teaching and learning, even if you are using technology for the first time.
  • Receive your degree from the University of Essex, a top 30 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025).

The PG Dip Education is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits.

Optional modules: choose one.

Consider the historical, philosophical and cultural context of modern education in this immersive module. You’ll explore and refine your knowledge of the key concepts, values and benefits of education practice – so that upon completion, you’ll have a strong understanding of how these can be applied to real-world contexts. They’ll also underpin your learning throughout the rest of your studies.   

Ready to develop your ability as a reflective professional practitioner? This exciting module will help you broaden your skill set to incorporate various innovative ideas to teaching. You’ll begin to identify learner needs and develop your understanding of planning with an adaptive approach to maximise learner outcomes and provide learner-centred support. 

Discover the fundamental principles of educational assessment on this in-depth module. You’ll explore the key issues in contemporary educational assessment practice – while evaluating assessment methods in a range of educational contexts. That way, you can use the information gained to enhance your own practice. 

How does technology enhanced learning (TEL) enable the integration of new technologies to help solve user issues? Find out in this valuable module. You’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of the TEL doctrine to understand how it works on a theoretical level and evaluate how this can be incorporated into your own teaching techniques. 

In this insightful module, you’ll examine the role of research and academic literature in an educational context. As the first research module within the course, this is an ideal opportunity to begin considering the possibilities ahead of you, as you engage in research to produce a literature review in a relevant area of your choice. 

Ready to develop your existing skills in analysing and interpreting various data? In this valuable module, you’ll work with different analytics tools and methods to capture data and identify trends in-line with learning and motivation theories across different educational contexts. 

Delve into existing cognitive scientific research of how people learn and critically evaluate different approaches to teaching. In this thought-provoking module, you’ll explore the role of pedagogy, instructional courses and learning outcomes in various contexts – backed up high-level educational research. 

This engrossing module will immerse you in the theories of learning design and the meaning of ‘content’. Through a range of activities, you’ll be encouraged to develop specific skills in the design and quality assurance of educational content – paying particular attention to collaborative learning and learner-centred materials. 

Discover the theoretical frameworks of management and the various practical skills managers require to lead. This informative module will encourage you to reflect on your own experience and consider a range of approaches and styles in order to identify areas for future development. 

Develop the skills required for summative and formative assessment development. You’ll consider a wide range of assessment modules as part of this valuable module – while critically evaluating the effectiveness and impact of a range of assessment tools. That way, you’ll have a strong understanding of how test construction works. 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our PG Dip Education has an indicative study duration of 16 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

If you’re a qualified teacher, this programme is ideal for expanding your professional development in order to access senior leadership roles. It covers a broad range of subjects and offers the opportunity to specialise in diverse professional contexts and practices.

You’ll also have a chance to improve your professional practice and attain leadership roles in your chosen career path. This could be as a teacher, lecturer, training adviser or administrator, special educational professional, policy developer, researcher, healthcare trainer or within local government.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Please note that this degree will not provide you with a teaching qualification and that additional qualified teacher status is required to allow you to teach in the UK. 

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our PG Dip Education, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our PG Dip Education, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least two years’ teaching experience in an educational setting

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee: 

£8,314 UK / £8,700 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

 Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our PG Diploma Education are experts in the field of education.

What our students say

testimonials

Adolfo Gonzalez -PG Cert Education (Educational Practice)

The possibility to change your life is more tangible than you think.

I chose the University of Essex Online because they offered a convenient pathway to study education. They also offered a monthly payment plan and their own online English proficiency test.  I applied for the PG Cert Education (Educational Practice) through the work experience entry route, which requires at least two years of demonstrable practice at a compulsory education institution. After a couple of weeks, my application was accepted and I was enrolled on the programme. I felt remarkably...

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Erin Lovell -Essex Online MBA

You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to per day until you believe it.  

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Things I love: writing, long-distance charity walks, my Jack Russell terrier Jada, virtually all animals, tea, travelling to places I don’t speak the language, and learning. Things I dislike: cooking, butterflies, the sound of forks on teeth and being late.  

Why did you decide to open a sports centre?

My business partner and I had been discussing it for a few years before it all started to come together. We recognized that Bermuda was missing a central, family-friendly, location for practitioners of different martial arts & boxing styles to train. Our goal was to open a purpose-built facility that would be high-quality, affordable, and inclusive. So far, so good!  

Have you always...

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